Family holiday in Dumfries and Galloway

This is the Kirklauchline Holiday Cottage guide of things to do in the Rhins of Galloway and beyond for all the family and children of all ages.

Beaches

Firstly it has to be Beaches! We are blessed with so many beautiful beaches here in the Rhins. There are lots of sandy shores, pebbly and rocky shores to discover and explore. Remember when we were kids and a bucket and spade was all we needed for a great day out?

Relax, pack up a picnic and head to our beaches. Build sandcastles, dig moats around them, decorate them with shells and best of all fly a flag from the turret! If that’s not enough run, jump and play in the surf. Get wet then wrap up warm in a huge beach towel.

There are so many rock pools here all you need is a small fishing net and a bucket (you can buy these in Portpatrick). Explore the rock pools, see what you can find but be sure to put your fishy finds back in the same place. We used to have hours of fun doing this as kids.

Agnew Park

For something a bit different and lots more fun try a day out at Agnew Park in Stranraer, which has a boating lake, miniature railway, a play island with pirate ship, 18 hole putting green, mini racing car circuit, gardens and café and even better it’s right by the sandy beach and the sea at Loch Ryan.

Other swings and roundabouts can be enjoyed at Sandhead, Portpatrick, Port Logan and Drummore. Once again, they all involve the beach as they are all very close to beautiful sandy beaches.

Even more great fun can be had by all the family at the 18 hole Putting Green at Portpatrick. Followed by Ice-cream from one of the local shops in the village, what could be better?

Mull of Galloway

The Mull of Galloway RSPB Summer club runs throughout the summer months and hosts lots of outdoor and indoor wildlife activities. Kids can discover Butterflies, birds and Marine Life. It is £3 per child accompanied by an adult or free for Wildlife Explorer members. The Mull of Galloway Lighthouse is also open during the summer months and you can climb the 115 steps to the top. Kids are fascinated by the huge light and it is such an adventure climbing those spiral stairs.

Enjoy lunch or a snack at the Gallie Craig Coffee Shop whilst enjoying the breath taking sea views. The kids can enjoy spending their pocket money there too as the coffee shop has a shopping area selling toys and lots of goodies for kids as well as lots of lovely adult treats too.

Logan Botanic Garden

Logan Botanic Garden children’s activities start with the Easter egg extravaganza including face painting and an easter egg hunt. Then throughout the year you can meet bugs and beasties, queen bees, make your own kite, paper lanterns, wind chimes, make your own bird feeder and lots more. There is the “Potting Shed” family friendly cafe within the gardens serving food, drinks, cakes and snacks. There are also baby changing facilities available. The garden is open daily from March until the end of October.

More family fun

The Castle of St John in Stranraer is a medieval tower house, over the centuries used as a home, a prison, a court and a military garrison. They have an activity room for adults and children and it is right in the centre of Stranraer.

The Ryan Centre in Stranraer is great for swimming, soft play and has a cinema too, where all the latest films are screened.

Another great way to explore is a Portpatrick Treasure trail, use the clues to track down the missing gold bullion from the ship wreck! Ship mates!

Craigemains Garden centre in nearby Ballantrae is a great day out for all the family. The Garden centre borders the Coastline, where the views and walks are amazing, they sell plants, giftware and lots of things for the kids too. It also has a very nice coffee shop with freshly made soup, hot meals, sandwiches and cakes. Outside there is a children’s adventure play area, 2 beautiful friendly Donkeys and the brand new railway!

Further afield – only a short and very scenic drive from Kirklauchline Cottage you can visit:

Whatever you get up to during your stay at Kirklauchline Cottage, one thing you must promise is that you will have lots of enjoyment, giggles and pleasure! One of our young guests from last year celebrated his birthday whilst staying with us and he drew me a lovely picture whilst enjoying his holiday with us.

We are now booking for next year’s holidays at Kirklauchline Cottage. We have a secure garden, a basket of soft toys and books, board games, colouring books and crayons, a high chair and a travel cot. We look forward to hearing from you, I hope you enjoyed this child friendly Portpatrick blog!

Contact us by *protected email* to book your family holiday in Dumfries and Galloway or you can call or text on 07824 770968.